Calligrapher’s Life in the Misty Norway

August 22, 2011

Article in «Landsmann» magazine (Norway) In the latest issue of «Landsmann» («Countrymen») magazine (№ 19, 2011), an article was published by Svetlana Zheleznova — librarian at the Library of Askøy, Norway, about her famous colleagues. She is working with the participant of the International Exhibition of Calligraphy Bas Vlam, whom she also mentioned in her article.

«I’ve been working at the Library of Askøy almost for a year already. The work isn’t really catchy, to be honest. You have to put every book in its place, stick an insignia to it, give the book to the reader, receive one... Seems there is no place for art in here. I was watching my co-workers and wondering — how do they live? Do they like their job? How do they spend these long autumn and winter evenings? I was going from work and looking at those assorted white houses. What do their owners do? Are they having dinner and watching TV with a cat sleeping in their lap? But soon I discovered that there is a rich, creative life going on in those small houses! But to learn more, I just had to get to know my colleagues a little bit closer.

For example, Bas Vlam, tall and blond. He’s a Dutchman and as it turned out, a world famous calligrapher. Bas has studied calligraphy in the Netherlands and in London, taking courses under the guidance of famous calligraphers: Donald Jackson, Jean Larcher, Gaynor Goffe, John Woodcock, David Howells and Astrid Scholten. He moved to Norway in 1984 and opened his own studio. He is the founder (and now the Chairman too) of one of the oldest Northern calligraphy societies, and he has students all over the country. Calligraphy is his life, and Bas is constantly learning new methods of handwriting, has a workshop and an exhibition room in his basement.

«Images are the result of maturation of the idea in my head, which can take days or even years, depending on difficulty of searching for the method of text transmission. If I can give the „reader“ an opportunity to see a well known text in a new light, in amazement perhaps, I will be happy!» says Bas himself.

He’s travelling constantly all over the world for exhibitions and workshops, meeting other calligraphers. Last year he was participating in the International Exhibition of Calligraphy in Veliky Novgorod, conducted a workshop for kids, and next year he’s already going to Japan! He’s filling pages for 2012 in his calendar already. Being a calligrapher, Bas Vlam is quite optimistic about the future! ...«

Source: «Landsmann» magazine («Countrymen») issue 19-2011